We cannot forget that sacrifice is the shortest distance between wanting and having what you want. No one will sacrifice unless he’s moved by an inner strength called faith.When God gave His Son to be sacrificed, He was setting an example, showing us the secret of conquering.
It’ very easy to understand this: when a person believes in the power of work, he’s able to conquer his own space, regardless of his belief in God. This is what has happened throughout the history of humankind. Take, for example, men and women who, despite being unbelievers, came up with extraordinary inventions that changed the world. A very simple example is the work of a farmer, who believes in the multiplication of the seed he sows in the soil.
Now, imagine what happens when a person, moved by his belief in the promises of God, takes an attitude and sacrifices! Obviously, this attitude leaves God no other option but to bless him. After all, He cannot lie nor can His promises be withdrawn.
Sacrifice is the narrow door that leads to great achievements.
The majority of Christians, however, do not believe that they need to sacrifice; instead, they choose to rely on the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Indeed, Jesus’ sacrifice is enough to save those who believe, but we also need to sacrifice, as the Lord Himself said to His apostles many times:
“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38,39)
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24,25)
“For whoever desires to save his own life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. (Mark 8:35)
“Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” (Luke 17:33)
Note that this message is so important that the Lord Jesus repeated it on different occasions.
Matthew and Luke recorded it twice, whilst Mark recorded it once. And what does it mean to take up our cross and follow Him? What does it mean to lose our life for the Lord Jesus’ sake? To take up our cross and follow Him are clear examples of faith in action by means of self-sacrifice. To lose our life for the Lord’s sake is to renounce what the world has to offer in order to live a life dedicated to our communion with God.
Every time we present a perfect sacrifice to God, we leave Him no option—He has to bless us. Faith in the Lord Jesus breaks through all barriers.
Sacrifice is the most effective way of resisting the devil. It also shows that a Christian no longer belongs to evil, for his sacrifice is a sign that his entire life depends on God.
Remember: the life of a person who sacrifices is in his sacrifice!
Read more: The sacrifice – Part 1
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